Phase homogeneity and crystal structure of Sb88Te12 synthesized by melt-quench method

Abstract

Phase homogeneity and crystal structure of Sb88Te12 alloy synthesized by melt-quench method have been analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement of crystal structure of Sb88Te12 has revealed the formation of Sb8Te3 and Sb phases respectively with 11R and A7 structures (space group is R3m). Phase fractions of the phases Sb 8Te3 and Sb have been determined to be 44.44% and 55.56% respectively. Raman spectrum of Sb88Te12 has showed a highest intensity peak at 156 cm-1 and another peak at 151.1 cm -1, which correspond to A1g modes of Sb8Te 3 and element Sb, respectively. Analysis of Raman spectrum has substantiated the results obtained from structure refinement regarding the presence of two different phases. © The Chinese Society for Metals and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.